Updating an earlier report, free-agent C Alex Mack (Browns) is closing in on a deal with the Atlanta Falcons Wednesday, March 9, that will average $9.5 million per season. He could have made $500,000 more annually with the Cleveland Browns, but Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan was a plus for Mack.

Former Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan was let go by head coach Mike Pettine because Pettine did not want someone on his staff that did not want to be there. "It was something that we didn't want to drag out,'' said Pettine. "It's just very hard to win in the NFL (even) when everybody's into it and they truly want to be there, and again if you have somebody that just doesn't want to be there, I know it's easy to say, 'Hey he's under contract, hold him to it,' (but now) there's a dark cloud over your coaching offices and I've been a part of that."

The Atlanta Falcons will be hiring free-agent offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan (Browns) as their offensive coordinator, according to a league source. He and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who is expected to take over as head coach, planned to be part of a package deal.

Fantasy Tip: Shanahan takes over an offense which is ready-made for success, with WRs Julio Jones and Roddy White, QB Matt Ryan, and young RB Davonta Freeman. It will be busy as usual in Atlanta, and maybe even more high-scoring than 2014 as long as everyone stays healthy.